Kisumu Youths Say No to Chaos: Withdraw from June 25 Protests Over “Hijacked Agenda”
A section of Kisumu County youths has broken ranks with the June 25 protest movement, claiming it has been hijacked by “bloodthirsty politicians” and “commercialized activists.”
During a press conference held on Tuesday, the young leaders voiced their decision to abstain from the demonstrations that were meant to honour lives lost during last year’s Occupy Parliament protests.
“It has come to our attention that the noble cause that started with a clear agenda of agitating for the youth has been hijacked by the bloodthirsty politicians and the commercialised activists that want to bring anarchy to our country,” one of the representatives boldly stated.
Choosing Peace Over Protest
The youth, primarily from Kisumu and the greater Nyanza region, called upon their peers to prioritize peace and focus on their daily lives instead.
“As Kisumu County youths, as Nyanza Youths, we are saying that we are refraining from tomorrow’s protests,” they announced.
“We are not part of it and are requesting all other youths from Kisumu to do the same because whatever they have planned is not a protest but a civil coup.”
Their decision comes just hours after an exposé by The Standard revealed an alleged covert plan to infiltrate the protests with hired goons, spread propaganda, and incite chaos. The report even raised fears of planned fatalities.
Cautioning Fellow Youths
The Kisumu youth leaders urged Gen Zs across the country to critically evaluate the protest’s direction and reject any manipulation from political actors.
“We are telling our fellow Gen Zs across the country to think twice. These protests are no longer about justice but have been turned into political warfare,” one of the speakers warned.
They argued that Kisumu has paid a heavy price in past demonstrations and deserves peace and economic stability.
“Our region has suffered enough. We don’t want more bloodshed or destruction. Let us build, not burn,” another youth said passionately.
Divided Voices
Despite their warning, some political figures such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino continue to rally behind the June 25 protests. Owino has encouraged youths to stand up for justice and not lose momentum.
The protests, which are intended to commemorate Gen Z lives lost in 2023’s demonstrations, include a symbolic flower-laying ceremony and a planned march to State House
But for the Kisumu group, peace and economic recovery now outweigh the cost of further street action.
Kisumu Youths Say No to Chaos: Withdraw from June 25 Protests Over “Hijacked Agenda”
